KineticSG Alliance Partners
Major General Jeff Newell, USAF, Retired
Jeff Newell is a dynamic leader, analyst and advisor with more than 30 years of experience in critical roles in the U.S. Air Force and, more recently, the private sector. From developing strategy and policy at the highest levels of the Air Force and Joint Staff, to managing alliances across Asia and North America, developing new leaders, encouraging innovation and cost-effective modernization, to carrying the “nuclear football” for the POTUS, Jeff helps KSG’s clients to improve their team’s performance, to better understand the playing field on which they operate and and scenario-plan for success.
Jeff’s other roles over his career include:
· Director of Strategy and Concepts for the United States Air Force
· Director of Strategy, Policy and Plans, U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and NORAD
· Senior Military Advisor to the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, U.S. Department of State
· Deputy Director for Political-Military Affairs for Asia, The Joint Staff
· Commander, 374th Airlift Wing, Tokyo, Japan
· Senior Military Fellow and Member, the Council on Foreign Relations
· Military Aide to the President of the United States
Today Jeff is Managing Partner at Paragon Analysis LLC and advises clients facing complex problems through rigorous analysis and policy formulation. His practice focuses on:
Defense Policy – Defense Sector Investment Advisory – Organizational Effectiveness – Emergency Management – Strategic Analysis – Foreign Market Political Risk
Jeff holds a Masters of Business Administration from the Darden School at the University of Virginia, a Masters in International Relations from Troy University and a Bachelors Degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Alan Sobba
Alan Sobba is a highly respected advisor and advocate for companies in finance, agriculture, blockchain systems, entertainment and professional sports. He is involved in a number of early stage companies as an advisor, executive, board member and investor or strategic partner. He has thirty years of experience working with all levels of decision makers, regulators and media on behalf of a variety of clients including financial services, energy, agriculture and various technology companies. Alan has a unique skill set which is noteworthy when working with disparate parties to achieve results that otherwise may seem unlikely given the priorities of a company, group or individual.
Alan has developed and maintained numerous high-level relationships in the US Senate, House of Representatives and numerous agencies beginning with the 2nd term of President Reagan. Relationships are the fundamental building block to establishing successful strategies for clients and extending to private sector groups and trade associations. On the early stage business side, he has served as CEO, Chief Policy and Communications Officer, strategic fundraiser and numerous other roles.
Alan served as Director of External Affairs for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from 2002 to 2007 and was appointed by President George W. Bush. He was responsible for the coordination of all CFTC activities with the Congress, the White House and other governmental entities such as the Treasury Department, the Security and Exchange Commission, the Federal Reserve and the news media. More recently, as Chief Policy and Communications officer for the International Derivatives Clearing Group (IDCG) from 2008-2012 and CEO of Green and Grow, 2012-2016. Beginning in 2017, Alan has focused on his consulting business exclusively.
Prior to these roles, Alan was Director of Government Relations office for the Commissioner of Baseball from 1997 to 2000. e also chaired the informal sports internet working group, determining the value of streaming content. He also worked for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in government affairs from 1985 to 1996.
Beyond his advocacy work, Alan is involved in with a number of start-up early stage companies. Some of the companies include; Dome, B23, Contract Wrangler, EtherIndex, Evex, Next Level Derivatives, Lydion/DEC and Radius Networks. Many of these ventures require strategic focus on business fundamentals, securing capital and documenting a business plan with a creditable pathway for investors.
Alan received his undergraduate degree from Kansas State University, an MBA degree from Arizona State University, and his law degree from the University of Kansas.
He, his wife Listi and their four children reside in Arlington, Virginia. He also operates a corn, soybean and cattle operation in Kansas.